Inkwell (Pyxis)

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Inkwell (Pyxis)

Place of OriginRoman Empire

Date1st-2nd century CE

DimensionsH: 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm); Rim Diam: 2 9/16 in. (6.6 cm); Body Diam: 1 31/32 in. (5.0 cm); Base Diam: 2 3/8 in. (6.0 cm).

MediumGlass; free blown and tooled.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1923.558

Not on View

DescriptionThis Roman glass container may have been used as an inkwell. Its cylindrical form and small central opening are similar to known examples in metal and ceramic. The vessel is made of dark greenish glass decorated with white threads melted into the surface to resemble marble. The top and bottom edges are slightly raised, and the base is hollowed, indicating it was made by hand without molds.

Published References

Hayes, John W., Roman and Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, 1975, p. 55, no. 129. (A close parallel dated "Mid-late 1st century A.D.").

Puma R. D. de, Art in Roman Life: Villa to Grave, Roma, "L'Erma" di Bretschneider, 2009, no. 188, p. 134.

Exhibition History

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Art in Roman Life: Villa to Grave, September 2003-August 2005 (no catalog).

Comparative ReferencesMentioned by Auth 1977, as a parallel to her no. 146.